Spotted Knapweed a growing threat to city and area

Invasive plants are all around the City of Cranbrook and can pose a serious threat to wildlife, the economy, recreation and the environment.

You may have also heard them referred to as noxious weeds. Spotted knapweed is one of dozens of invasive plants found in the province and has become more and more prevalent around the city.

Responsibility to help control invasive plants lies with individual property owners, businesses and the City of Cranbrook in public spaces and city owned properties. The BC Weed Control Act “imposes a duty on all land owners and occupiers to control designated noxious plants” – which includes knapweed species. The City of Cranbrook also conducts its own extensive Noxious Weed Control program annually on city properties to try to combat their spread.

Over the next few weeks, properties within the city that have invasive plants including knapweed, will be receiving letters asking owners to battle these plants to help slow or stop their spread.

The East Kootenay Invasive Plant Council (EKIPC) and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) can provide assistance to the public through their Neighbourhood Invasive Plant Program. This region-wide stewardship program provides residential property owners with guidance, resources, free sprayer equipment loan-out and financial rebates necessary to manage these harmful plants. Industrial and commercial property owners are eligible for guidance, resources and a free sprayer equipment loan out.

Informational brochures are available for pick up at Cranbrook City Hall. A knapweed information newsletter is also available at City Hall or for download from the city website at www.cranbrook.ca. Property owners that are interested in the Neighbourhood Invasive Plant Program are encouraged to contact the RDEK.

City of Cranbrook

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